Villa Il Broglino

Il Broglino is a historical residence, built in the 16th century and expanded in the 17th century, overlooking the magnificent valley surrounding Todi in the Umbria region. Being designated a ‘Dimora Storica’, or Historical Residence, is a recognition of a building’s importance as a part of Italy’s rich historical and cultural heritage. In the past, Il Broglino served as the primary residence for its owners, who relocated to Rome in the mid-20th century. Over time, it has been transformed into a holiday home while still holding a special place in their hearts. Presently, Il Broglino remains a cherished retreat for the owners and is also open for short-term rentals.

Il Broglino is situated at the top of a multi-level garden that slopes down the hill to the family’s agricultural estate. The patio surrounding the Palazzo opens onto the swimming pool area, and is equipped with a sunbathing area, sunbeds and loungers, showers, and all necessary amenities.

Privacy is ensured by the green hedges that surround the grounds, forming a sort of natural green ‘wall’ that transforms the residence and its garden into an oasis of peace. There are many secular trees in the garden, some of which planted when Il Broglino was first established, and a more recent olive grove that is beginning to yield its first fruits.

The Villa is located 2 km from the centre of Todi, one of the most famous and charming villages in Umbria. It is the ideal place for those seeking to relax far from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in nature. It is also perfectly positioned for visitors keen to explore the manifold beauty of the regions of Umbria and Tuscany. Rome is just 1.5 hours away, Florence and the Chianti region are a 2-hour drive, while Bologna and the art cities of Veneto lie in the north. Todi is an ideal location for those visiting Italy for the first time who wish to be close to some of the most interesting destinations in our beautiful country.

Il Broglino is a family residence that has undergone periodic restoration and renovation by its owners over the years. The result is truly unique: it is a Villa that has preserved the exquisite beauty of its original 17th-century design while incorporating all the modern comforts and conveniences required in a holiday home today. The main hall, with its breath-taking panoramic windows providing a unique view of the valley, showcases the love and dedication invested in the maintenance of the property. Attention to detail and impeccable ‘shabby chic’ aesthetics have confirmed Il Broglino’s reputation as one of the best known and most beloved historical Palazzos in the region.

The Palazzos spans three levels. On the ground floor, there is the main hall, a veranda and a billiard room. On the other side of the entrance hall, there is a large dining room with a round table that seats 10 people which is connected to the kitchen. There is also a small and precious library containing antique books and vintage collections that can be visited upon request. Most of the furnishings are original, with the addition of some interesting modern pieces personally chosen by the owners. On the first floor, there is a charming living room surrounded by four bedrooms. This part of the residence offers the finest opportunity to truly immerse oneself in the refined style of Il Broglino. The original paintings and decor adorning the walls, doors, and painted ceilings create a unique atmosphere that never fails to captivate and delight its visitors. It is perhaps this very allure that has led numerous guests to describe Il Broglino as an experience akin to stepping back into the 17th century. Each room features an array of paintings and decorations. While some are antique treasures, others showcase more contemporary works by modern artists.

Having guests stay at this historical residence enables the owners to preserve this remarkable example of Italian art and history. In fact, a substantial portion of the proceeds is reinvested in its ongoing maintenance.

Il Broglino can accommodate 9/10 people. It spans 3 floors (approximately 450 sqm) and is 2.5 km from the centre of Todi.

The ground floor comprises a living and dining room with access to the garden and the woods, a sitting room with a billiard table, a dining room with a table for 12 people, a TV room, a communal area, a kitchen, a cellar, a small bathroom, a private chapel and a library (with a guided tour on request).

The first floor comprises a ‘Boudoir’ living room, three double bedrooms, 1 single bedroom and 2 bathrooms.

The second floor has 2 double bedrooms, 1 twin bedroom, 1 single bedroom and 1 bathroom. Air conditioning or fans are available in each room.

Pool Area: sunbeds and deckchairs are provided.

The history of Villa il Broglino
Situated approximately two kilometres from Todi along the Via Tiberina, Il Broglino is a unique historical illustration of a ‘Villa Suburbana’ or suburban villa, particularly noteworthy given the recent urban development in the vicinity.

The rear of the residence is shaded by a two-hectare park, primarily consisting of holm oaks, oak trees, maritime pines, laurels and acacias, including some specimens of centuries-old trees. The family’s agricultural estate is situated further down the hill, together with its young olive grove. In the park, you can find various remnants from different time periods. These include classical-era fragments, a coat of arms from Todi, a fountain display dating back to 1589, three stone fountains and an eighteenth-century sandstone sitting area.

Historical information, wall structures and some of the furnishings indicate that the original building dates back to the 16th century. In 1632, a chapel was built adjacent to the main sixteenth-century body of the house at the behest of noblewoman Gabriella Valenti of Terni, who owned two other noble Palazzos in Todi. From the current masonry structures and the design of the trusses visible in the sacristy, it can be deduced that the chapel was incorporated into existing rooms originally designated for regular household activities. The chapel is notable for its exceptional craftsmanship, well-preserved decor and an elegant niche that portrays the Nativity of Mary, a focal point of devotion. There is a washbasin complete with a maiolica font in the small sacristy.

In 1709, Villa Il Broglino became the property of Filippo Antonio Gualtieri, who was appointed Bishop of Todi that same year, and who made further architectural changes to the original 16th- century building. The main body became taller than the chapel, and a large coat of arms representing the Gualtieri family was placed distinctively on the façade.

The first floor is largely characterised by its two large vaulted halls. In the first hall, there are some original decorations illustrating an ancient view of Todi. The second hall displays a fresco in the centre of its vault depicting the myth of Ganymede, bearing signs of a preceding mono-chrome fresco. During the most recent restoration work, traces of 17th-century decorations used in Roman rural and suburban villas were found in the second hall.

In the early nineteenth century, the entire property passed from the Gualtieri family to the Angeli family, who are still the owners today. Villa Il Broglino and the park have been listed as protected by the Ministry of Cultural and Environmental Heritage since 1989 due to their significant historical and artistic interest. In 2015, the residence was declared a Municipal House of Todi.

Facilities and services: accommodation, weddings and private events in the umbria region
Number of bedrooms: 7. Number of floors: 3 (450 sqm)

Ground Floor: 1 large living room with a panoramic view, a billiard table, a dining table for 10 people with comfortable seating. 1 dining room communicating with the kitchen, a round table for 12 people. 1 small small sitting room with TV, 4 doors leading to the garden and the park. 1 bathroom, 1 small library.

Private consecrated chapel.

First floor: 1 living room with vaulted ceiling, 3 double bedrooms with frescoes, 1 single bedroom, 2 bathrooms.

Second floor: 2 double bedrooms, 1 twin bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1 sitting room.
Il Broglino provides WiFi internet, TV, a billiard table, central heating, air conditioning or fan in each room, hairdryers, a stereo, a washing machine, a dishwasher, breakfast corner with Nespresso machine, a kettle, a toaster.
Activities: walks and horse riding, truffle hunting, yoga classes, cooking courses, wine tastings, guided tours, transfers. Pets are welcome.

Places of interest in the vicinity
Nearby (approximately 1 hour by car): Assisi, Perugia, Gubbio, Spoleto, Orvieto, Montecastello di Vibio, Deruta, Spello, Norcia, Lake Trasimeno, Isola Maggiore.
Easily reachable (2 hours by car): Rome, Florence.